REALTY `CLOUT` BLAMED FOR TENANT-RIGHTS DELAY

James StrongCHICAGO TRIBUNE

Supporters of tenants` rights legislation disclosed Wednesday that 10 aldermen, including the chairman and seven members of the Chicago City Council`s Building Committee, have accepted political contributions from real estate interests opposed to the measure.

Members of the Metropolitan Tenants Organization, a coalition of 11 neighborhood groups, charged that ''landlord clout and money'' have delayed action on a proposed tenants` bill of rights that has been pending for more than a year in the Building Committee, headed by Ald. Fred Roti (1st).

Two aldermen from North Side wards with a large number of renters led the list of aldermen who received hefty political contributions from real estate interests in the 1983 elections, according to campaign disclosure records filed with the Cook County clerk`s office.

Ald. Bernard Hansen of the 44th Ward received $8,600 from 18 large real estate firms, and Ald. Jerome Orbach of the neighboring 46th Ward received $5,000 in political contributions from nine real estate firms, the coalition said.

Roti received $2,700 in political funds from real estate interests, the coalition said.

Real estate firms that made contributions to several of the aldermen were First American Realty Co., Capitol Associates Development Corp., Irmco Corp. and Stammich Management. Among the larger contributors to individual aldermen were Bari Management Ltd., Jerome Meyer and Co., L&J Buildings, Astor Realty Co., CMC Realty, Kedzie Plaza Associates and Forman Realty Corp., according to the disclosure reports.

The proposed tenants` rights ordinance was introduced in April, 1984.

The proposal, introduced by Ald. David Orr (49th) among other things would give tenants the right to make repairs if landlords refuse, and to deduct the repair costs from their rent.

Hansen, asked to comment, said he sees nothing wrong with accepting contributions from real estate interests. ''I have had a real estate license for many, many years, long before I became alderman,'' he said. ''I have many friends in the real estate business, and I am not ashamed if they want to help out. I do not take any money from slumlords.''